The Shiawassee
River is a shallow, slow moving stream which features an "Up
North-Close By" view of nature starting from the old water works
building in the Village of Holly and traveling seven river miles
downstream through an unspoiled natural landscape to Strom Park.

A sanctioned and
safe canoe launch has been created in WaterWorks Park. A parking lot,
pedestrian bridge, and nature lookout make the area accessible to
all.

Great Blue Herons,
Kingfishers and Sandhill cranes can be seen on most trips down the
river. Muskrat scoot across the channel and turtles dive for under-
water cover as canoeists paddle leisurely along.

For almost forty
years this was the site of the first race of the season sponsored by
the Michigan Canoe Racing Association. At competition pace, those
enthusiasts could complete the course in less than an hour and a half
whereas most visitors should expect to spend four or more hours on the
river.

This
section of the Shiawassee River in northwest Oakland County has become
one of the first Heritage Water Trails in Michigan.

Heritage Water Trails
feature the history and cultural landmarks in accompanying guides,
making day trips to the area even more enjoyable. Signage indicates
natural features, distance to take out and alerts to trail features
ahead.

The trailhead in
WaterWorks Park will connect to the land trails proposed by Headwaters
Trails. It will be possible to walk or bicycle to the many points of
interest featured along the proposed Trails 2, 3 and 4.